Friday 5th November 2021
More than 100 injured
Losing elections instigate rioting in Baghdad
In the parliamentary elections in Iraq, pro-Iranian parties forfeit a large number of their seats. Close-knit Shiite militias are instigating violent riots in Baghdad because they allege election fraud. More than 100 people are injured.
Protests against the outcome of the Iraqi parliamentary election resulted in serious clashes with more than 100 injured in the capital, Baghdad. Security forces attempted with gunfire in the air to disperse the pro-Iranian demonstrators and to block their access to the highly secured Green Zone, eyewitnesses reported.
The protesters threw stones, as was shown by footage on social media. According to the Ministry of Health, at least 98 security guards and 27 civilians were injured. The ministry also rejected reports of at least two deaths as false. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kasimi ordered an investigation. The demonstrators are mainly supporters of parties that are closely linked to the Shiite militias and are supported by Iran, which is also Shiite neighboring country. These parties lost most of their seats in the parliamentary elections four weeks ago.
The election winner is the Shiite cleric Muktada al-Sadr, whose bloc was by far the strongest force. The final election result has not yet been determined. Due to numerous objections, a recounting of the votes continues. The parties affiliated with the Shiite militias had alleged falsification of votes after their losses and recently threatened an escalation of the protests.
The armed groups are part of Iraq’s official security forces, but they lead a life of their own. Observers see them as the extended arm of Iran. Iraq has long been experiencing a serious political crisis. In autumn 2019, mass protests against the country’s political leadership and the poor economic situation broke out. Prime Minister Al-Kasimi therefore moved the parliamentary elections forward by several months. Frustration with the political elite caused participation to drop to a record low of around 41 percent. Many stayed away from the vote because they did not expect any change in the balance of power.